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Hunting in Alabama

Alabama is a great spot for hunting fanatics to explore. With nearly 1.5 million acres of public land open for the taking, this state offers plenty of wildlife and ample opportunities to hunt it all. From deer, turkey, duck, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrels, and quail to dove – you name it – Alabama has something special in store for you. Plus, its mild climate supports a fantastic variety of habitats which means there are always plenty of game animals around year-round with multiple seasons available. So if you’re up for an outdoor adventure like no other, then come on down south and give hunting in Alabama a go!

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know for hunting in the state of Alabama. We will go over various types of game animals, hunting licenses, permits, seasons, fines, and regulations. We also list popular deer hunting places and seasons. Furthermore, you will also find where to hunt in Alabama.

Hunting in Alabama

What Can You Hunt in Alabama?

Oh, there are a bunch of cool animals you can hunt in Alabama. It’s like a big treasure hunt for hunters. Some of the animals you can find are:

White-Tailed Deer

These are like the kings of the forest. They’re super fast and have those cool antlers on their heads. White-Tailed Deer is the most hunted game animal in Alabama. Their population is estimated at 1.25 million and nearly 200,000 licenses are sold every year. Deer season in this state is divided up by firearm type, tactics used (e.g., stalking or with dogs), zone, and weapon – beginning as early as October and going through to January depending on your chosen method.

Antlered Bucks are male deer with at least one visible antler above their head.

Unantlered deers are all deer that do not have any visible antlers above their head.

Deer Season Hunting in Alabama:

Zone A

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting Oct 14 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Special Youth Gun Nov 10 – Nov 13 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Nov 13 – Nov 17 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 18 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 09 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Feb 10 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 18 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Dec 09 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Jan 01 – Jan 15 Antlered Bucks Only

Zone B

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting

 

Oct 14 – Oct 24

Oct 25 – Feb 10

Antlered Bucks Only

Either Sex

Special Youth Gun Nov 10 – Nov 13 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Nov 13 – Nov 17 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 18 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 09 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Feb 10 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 18 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land

 

Dec 09 – Dec 31

Jan 01 – Jan 15

Either Sex

Antlered Bucks Only

Zone C

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting Oct 14 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Special Youth Gun Nov 10 – Nov 13 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Nov 13 – Nov 17 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 18 – Nov 26 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 27 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Jan 01 – Feb 10 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Feb 10 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 18 – Nov 26 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 27 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Jan 01 – Jan 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Jan 01 – Jan 15 Antlered Bucks Only

Zone D

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting Sep 30 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Archery Stalk Hunting Jan 16 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Special Youth Gun Oct 27 – Oct 30 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Oct 30 – 03 Nov Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 04 – Nov 17 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 18 – Nov 26 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 27 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Jan 01 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 04 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 04 – Nov 17 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 18 – Nov 26 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 27 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 04 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex

Zone E

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting Sep 30 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Archery Stalk Hunting Jan 16 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Special Youth Gun Oct 27 – Oct 30 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Oct 30 – 03 Nov Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 04 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Jan 16 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 04 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Jan 27 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 04 – Jan 01 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 04 – Dec 15 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Dec 16 – Dec 31 Either Sex

Chronic Wasting Disease (CMD) Management Zone

Hunting Type Date Deer Type
Archery Stalk Hunting Oct 14 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Special Youth Gun Nov 10 – Nov 13 Either Sex
Special Muzzloader and Air Rifle Nov 13 – Nov 17 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Private Land Nov 18 – Feb 10 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Dec 09 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Deer Stalk on Public Land Jan 01 – Feb 10 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Private Land Nov 18 – Jan 15 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Nov 18 – Dec 08 Antlered Bucks Only
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Dec 09 – Dec 31 Either Sex
Gun Dog Deer on Public Land Jan 01 – Jan 15 Antlered Bucks Only

Licenses and Requirements:

To hunt deer in Alabama, you need a few things. First, you need to have a hunting license. You also need to keep a record of the deer you catch. If you’re hunting in a wildlife management area, you’ll need an additional license and permission map. After catching a deer, you must complete some paperwork. Different types of hunting permits are available, like lifetime permits and permits for handicapped veterans. Some people don’t need a license, such as those over 65 years old and resident landowners and their close relatives.
If you want to use bait for deer hunting, you’ll need to purchase special permission called “bait-privilege.” But remember, only private property can be used to bait deer.

Quails

These little birds are fun to hunt in groups. They zoom around, and you need quick reflexes to catch them. Alabama quail hunting has undergone drastic changes in recent years. In the past, it was common for every pea patch to contain a covey of quailing birds; however, agricultural developments and habitat alterations have taken their toll on these magnificent creatures’ populations across the South.
These days, most Alabamians who want to hunt quail do so at commercial preserves.

Hunting Quails in Alabama

Quail Season Hunting in Alabama

Species Dates Bag Limit
Bobwhite Quail Nov 04 – Feb 29 8 per day

Rabbits

These furry creatures are pretty fast, so catching them can be a real challenge. In Alabama, four types of rabbits can be found – swamp rabbit, eastern cottontail (commonly seen throughout the state), Appalachian cottontail (limited to Northern Alabama), and marsh rabbit (a threatened species). The latter two are considered rare as they have special conservation status.

Rabbit Season Hunting in Alabama:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Rabbit Sep 09 – Mar 03 8 per day

Waterfowl

If you like water adventures, you can go hunting for ducks and geese near rivers and lakes. Different types of ducks and geese live in the same places, have similar hunting seasons, and are hunted in the same way. This means that you can catch different kinds of waterfowl during one hunting trip. Waterfowl can be hunted in fields where they find food or near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, ponds, or coastlines.

Waterfowl Season:

Teal Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Teal Sep 09 – Sep 24 6 per day

Duck Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Duck Nov 24 – Nov 25 6 per day
Duck Dec 02 – Jan 28 6 per day

Merganser Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Merganser Nov 24 – Nov 25 5 per day
Merganser Dec 02 – Jan 28 5 per day

Geese Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
All Geese Sep 02 – Oct 01 5 per day
All Geese Oct 14 – Oct 28 5 per day
All Geese Nov 24 – Nov 25 5 per day
All Geese Dec 02 – Jan 28 5 per day

Special Youth, Active Military, and Military Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunting Days

Location Dates Notes
Statewide Nov 18 The rules for when you can shoot, how much you can catch, and the types of guns and ammo you can use are the same as in the regular waterfowl season.
Statewide Feb 13 The rules for when you can shoot, how much you can catch, and the types of guns and ammo you can use are the same as in the regular waterfowl season.

Turkey

Hunting wild turkeys in Alabama is a beloved pastime for outdoorsy types. All year round, there are organized hunts and licensed hunting sites available to explore the state’s diverse terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just learning the ropes – turkey season is sure not to disappoint. The preservation of wild turkeys in Alabama and across the U.S. is an incredible success story. In the early 1900s, turkey numbers had fallen to a mere 10,000 throughout the state – an alarming statistic that sparked off efforts for their protection, management, and research. Thanks to these initiatives, now hunters can enjoy top-notch hunting opportunities due to flourishing turkey populations once again!

Turkey Season:

Location Dates Notes
Zone 01 Mar 25 -May 08 Decoys allowed Apr 04 – May 08
Zone 02 Apr 01 – May 08 Decoys allowed Apr 11 – May 08
Zone 03 Nov 18 – Nov 26 No Decoys Permitted
Zone 03 Dec 09 – Dec 31 No Decoys Permitted
Zone 03 Mar 25 – May 08 Decoys Allowed Apr 04 – May 08
Special Yount Hunt Saturday and Sunday just before the spring season starts Decoys Allowed
Special Disabled Unit One day before the regular season starts Decoys Allowed. you need to meet the medical requirements in regulation 220-2-.109(2)(d)
WMA and US Forest Service Ranger Districts April 8 – May 8 Daylight – 1 p.m.
Remainder of National Forests District Apr 01 – May 08 Daylight – 1 p.m.

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs have become a widespread problem in Alabama, wreaking havoc across all 67 counties. In the past 15-20 years, these destructive animals have increased their presence exponentially from just the swamps of southwest Alabama, leaving farmers and natural resources devastated in their wake. While some areas still only maintain small populations of wild pigs, many places are seeing large numbers leading to extensive damage to crops and habitats alike. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Feral hogs cause an estimated damage of $800 million annually.

Hunting Feral Hogs in Alabama

Feral Hogs Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Feral Swine (Daylight Hours) No Closed Season No Limit
Feral Swine (Dogs only – No Weapons) May 11 – Aug 31 No Limit
Feral Swine Starts at 12:00 am right after the last day of gun deer season in that area. Finishes 30 minutes before sunrise on the first day of archery deer season in that same area. No Limit

Sandhill Crane

For many years, people in Central America, Canada, and Mexico have enjoyed hunting sandhill cranes. These birds are considered game animals, but their population has remained stable or even grown over time. In the Eastern US, there is a type of sandhill crane called the giant sandhill crane. These birds like to live in wetland areas with lots of plants growing out of the water, like fields where grain has recently been harvested. During their migration, many of them go to Alabama’s Tennessee River Valley. In the winter, some can be found at Weiss Reservoir on the Coosa River.

Sandhill Crane Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Sandhill Crane Dec 02 – Jan 07 3
Sandhill Crane Jan 15 – Jan 30 3

Only a limited number of permits will be issued, so you need to apply for one online at www.outdooralabama.com. To be eligible, you must be at least sixteen years old and either a resident or have a lifetime hunting license. Each person with a permit can catch up to three animals. You are only allowed to hunt between sunrise and sunset. The types of weapons and ammunition allowed for hunting are the same as those allowed for waterfowl hunting.

Squirrels

Yep, those little guys who climb trees and gather nuts. You can hunt them too. There are three types of squirrels in Alabama: Flying, fox, and gray squirrels. The Southern Flying Squirrel stands out as the smallest amongst them all; unfortunately, they’re also rarely seen due to being mostly nocturnal creatures. Fox squirrels are slightly larger than grays and have quite a unique coloring – often rust-hued along their backside combined with shades of grey at their neckline. They weigh about 1.5 to 2 pounds. The Gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in Alabama. They weigh around 1 to 1.5 pounds when they are fully grown. They have medium-sized bodies and their fur is gray, with white tips on the ends.

Squirrel Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Squirrel Sep 09 – Mar 03 8 per day

During the period from September 9 to March 3, there are certain rules regarding hunting squirrels. You are allowed to hunt and keep up to 8 squirrels per day. However, hunting fox squirrels is not allowed in the Bankhead National Forest during this time.

Opposum

Opossums are not limited to just one habitat in Alabama – they can be found living across the state, whether it be in rural, suburban, or urban areas such as parks. All these places offer food, water, and shelter for them to survive.

Opposum Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Opossum No Closed Season No Limit

There are no restrictions on when you can hunt. You are allowed to hunt both during the day and at night. There is also no limit to the number of animals you can catch. It is important to remember that during the spring turkey season, dogs should not be released on open-permit lands during the day or after 3:00 am.

Raccoon

Raccoons, being nocturnal and rarely seen creatures, can be destructive to city life. To manage this nuisance, Alabama state has introduced a license for trapping and killing raccoons all year round. However, it is important to note that hunting them requires legal permission – one must acquire the necessary permit in order to hunt these animals.

Hunting Raccoons in Alabama

Raccoon Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Raccoon No Closed Season No Limit

There are no specific time restrictions for hunting in this case. You can hunt either during the day or at night. If you are on privately owned or leased lands, there is no limit to how many animals you can catch. However, if you are on public land with an open permit, each party is limited to catching 5 animals. During the spring turkey season, it’s important to note that on open-permit lands, dogs should not be let loose during the day and after 3:00 am.

Mourning Dove

During the fall hunting season, people often start with mourning dove hunting. It’s a popular activity that many people enjoy doing with their family and friends. Unlike other types of hunting, dove hunting is usually more social, with multiple hunters sharing the same field.

Mourning Dove Season:

North Zone:

Zone Dates Notes
North Zone Sep 02 Afternoon only
North Zone Sep 03 – Oct 22 All Day Shooting
North Zone Nov 18 – Nov 26 All Day Shooting
North Zone Dec 16 – Jan 14 All Day Shooting

 South Zone:

Zone Dates Notes
South Zone Sep 09 Afternoon only
South Zone Sep 10 – Oct 29 All Day Shooting
South Zone Nov 18 – Nov 26 All Day Shooting
South Zone Dec 16 – Jan 14 All Day Shooting

Snipe

When summer’s in full swing and the young snipe birds start flying, that’s when snipe hunting season kicks off. People in the area keep hunting snipes until the marshes and swamps get all icy and the birds fly south. Here in the U.S., hunters go snipe hunting in different ways. Sometimes, they set up hiding spots, use fake birds and calls, and wait for the snipes. Or, they might just walk up to them without using dogs.

Snipe Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Snipe Nov 11 – Feb 25 8 per day

Alligator

Over the past 50 years, the number of alligators in Alabama has increased a lot. This has caused many people to worry about their safety. To control the alligator population and prevent problems, Alabama started allowing alligator hunting in 2006. Hunters are chosen randomly to receive special tags, and these hunts mostly happen in August.

Alligator Season:

Species Dates Bag Limit
Alligator Special Permit Only Special Permit Only

Only those with a special permit are allowed to participate. The registration for the alligator hunting season this year has already been closed. However, registration for next year’s alligator hunting season will open on next June. To access your application and check if you have been selected, you will need your Conservation ID number and date of birth.

Black Bears

Black bears in Alabama are mostly found in the southwest and northeast parts of the state. Unlike other game animals, there is no specific time when people can hunt bears. Since the bear population is increasing, it’s important to let officials know if you see any bears. This can help with managing and taking care of these animals in Alabama.

 

Black Bear Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Black Bear No Open Season No Open Season

Mink Season

Species Dates Notes
Mink Oct 28 – Feb 29 Trapping Only

Muskrat Season

Species Dates Notes
Muskrat Oct 28 – Feb 29 Trapping Only

Otter Season

Species Dates Notes
Otter Oct 28 – Feb 29 Trapping Only

Beaver Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Beaver No Closed Season No Limit

Skunk Season

Species Dates Notes
Skunk Oct 28 – Feb 29 Trapping Only

Groundhog Season

Hunting Groundhogs in Alabama

Species Dates Bag Limit
Groundhog No Closed Season No Limit

Grouse Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Ruffed Grouse No Open Season No Open Season

Crows Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Crow No Closed Season No Limit

Woodcock Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Woodcock Dec 15 – Jan 28 3 per day

Sparrow Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Sparrows No Closed Season No Limit

Starlings Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Starling No Closed Season No Limit

Frog Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Frogs No Closed Season 20 Frogs

Rail Season

Hunting Rails in Alabama

Species Dates Bag Limit
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Sora, Virginia Rail Sep 09 – Sep 24 15 per day
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Sora, Virginia Rail Nov 25 – Jan 17 15 per day

Gallinule Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Gallinule Sep 09 – Sep 24 15 per day
Gallinule Nov 25 – Jan 17 15 per day

Bobcat Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Bobcat No Closed Season No Limit

Coyote Season

Species Dates Bag Limit
Coyote No Closed Season No Limit

Mountain Lion Season

 

Species Dates Bag Limit
Mountain Lion No Open Season No Open Season

Fox Season

Hunting Fox in Alabama

Species Dates Bag Limit
Fox No Closed Season No Limit

Alabama Hunting License Information

Before you start hunting in Alabama, you should possess a valid hunting license. There are various types of licenses available for Alabamians.

  • Resident Hunting License

Residents of Alabama aged 17-64 are eligible to purchase an Annual Hunting License for either all-game types or small game only. This license is valid from September 1st to August 31st the following year, granting them the right and privilege of hunting within Alabama borders.

  • Senior License

For those who are 65 years old or older, they will be automatically granted a Resident 64 Lifetime License – no yearly renewals necessary! Along with this license comes exemption from having to purchase annual licenses again; however certain additional privileges may still need purchasing such as duck stamps and bath permits.

  • Non-Resident Hunting License

If you’re not from Alabama and you’re 16 or older, you do need a hunting license. Even if you own land here, you still need a hunting license.

  • Youth Hunting License

if you’re a kid in Alabama and you’re 15 or under, you don’t need a hunting license to go hunting. Pretty cool, right? You can check out the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website if you want to know more.

  • Disability License

For people who live in Alabama and have a permanent disability, there’s something called the Physically Disabled Hunting License that you might be able to get.

Please note that to obtain a license, you must also have the Alabama Hunter Education certificate. There are also many other hunting licenses such as a 50% disability license, bait privilege license, wildlife heritage license, and fur catchers license.

License Expiration:

When it comes to hunting licenses, they have an end date. Every year, on August 31, they expire. If you’re from Alabama, you can get a lifetime hunting license.

Hunting Fines in Alabama

Offense Fine
Hunting without a License $100
Making false statements to obtain a license $500
Hunting without supervision $100
Trapping without a license $250
Hunting at night $2000
Hunting during closed season $250
Taking deer from public water $500
Taking deer at night $500
Refusal to submit firearms for inspection $50
Not wearing hunter orange $50

Where to Hunt in Alabama?

Alabama is like a treasure trove for hunters. You can find amazing hunting spots all over the state, whether it’s on land that anyone can use or on private land. Alabama is home to 6 national forests. These forests provide many opportunities for hunters. We’ve listed some amazing places for public hunting below.

Some of the most popular public hunting places in Alabama are:

Bankhead National Forest: Located in northwest Alabama, Bankhead National Forest offers various game species, including deer, turkey, hog, and small game.

Conecuh National Forest: A lot of people like to go hunting for deer, turkey, quail, and small animals at the Conecuh. The Conecuh National Forest lets people hunt there, following the rules set by Alabama state for hunting.

Tuskegee National Forest: You can go hunting for deer, turkey, quail, rabbits, and squirrels in the Tuskegee National Forest.

Mulberry Fork WMA: Mulberry Fork WMA is a great place to go hunting! All types of animals can be found in the area, like deer, bear, wild turkey, rabbit and more. There are lots of trails to explore and acres of natural habitat.

Sam R. Murphy WMA: Ideal place for deer hunters in Alabama.

Wolf Creek WMA: Best place to hunt turkeys and squirrels.

Black Warrior WMA

Forever Wild Tracts

Hollins WMA

Choccolocco WMA

Freedom Hills

Upper Delta

James D. Martin Skyline

Hunting on private land in Alabama can be a real treat. With fewer crowds, animals are less likely to spook; meaning you’re bound to have a great day out. In the past, hunting on private property was complicated and expensive – joining clubs, hiring guides, or knocking door-to-door were all viable options. But now there’s an easier way: with access made simple and affordable for hunters everywhere. Be sure to respect the rights of the landowner.